9 Days Bhutan Tour With Punakha Festival

The Punakha Festival, also known as the Punakha Tshechu, is a vibrant and colorful religious festival celebrated in Bhutan. Tshechu means “tenth day” in Bhutanese, and the festival takes place on the 10th day of a month according to the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually in late winter or early spring.

The Punakha Festival holds great significance in Bhutanese culture and is one of the most important annual events in the country. It commemorates the deeds of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.

During the festival, locals and tourists gather at the Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river) in the Punakha Valley. The dzong serves as a backdrop for the festivities, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The main highlight of the Punakha Festival is the mask dances, known as cham dances, performed by monks and laypeople dressed in elaborate traditional costumes. These dances depict various religious stories, legends, and spiritual themes. The dancers wear colorful masks representing deities, demons, animals, and other mythical creatures, and their movements are accompanied by traditional music and chants.

The festival also includes the unfurling of the Thongdrol, a large religious scroll painting. The Thongdrol is displayed for a limited time and is believed to bestow blessings upon those who witness it. It is considered highly auspicious to catch a glimpse of the Thongdrol, and people from far and wide come to attend the festival for this reason.

Apart from the religious ceremonies, the Punakha Festival also offers an opportunity for the Bhutanese people to come together and celebrate. It is a time of joy, socializing, and enjoying traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

Suggested Tour Program Based on Punakha Festival Date :19th Feb 2024-21st Feb 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma statue, Explore the local markets and shops in Thimphu. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Academy, and the Changangkha Lhakhang, Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts School). Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Gangtey

Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey, a scenic valley in central Bhutan, Visit the Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Goempa, Enjoy the beautiful views of the Phobjikha Valley and take a walk along the nature trails. Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 4: Gangtey to Punakha (Punakha Festival Date :19th Feb 2024-21st Feb 2024)

Today Morning after Breakfast drive from Gangtey to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant fortresses, Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha Sightseeing (Punakha Festival Date :19th Feb 2024-21st Feb 2024)

Today Morning enjoy the Punakha Festival 2-3 Hrs , Witness the cultural activities followed by Traditional Dance .Explore Punakha further by visiting the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Take a relaxing rafting excursion on the Mo Chhu River. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha to Paro ( Stop at Dochu – La Pass)

Drive from Punakha to Paro, a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage, on arrival check-in at your hotels and the start with Visiting Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and the National Museum of Bhutan. Explore the town and visit local handicraft shops. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Hike

Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Enjoy the breathtaking views of the monastery perched on a cliff, Return to Paro and relax in the evening. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 8: Paro Exploration

After Breakfast Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, Explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the traditional farmhouses in the Paro Valley.

Optional: Take a cultural tour to the nearby Haa Valley. Overnight stay in Paro.